Herbert was the youngest of six children, with three brothers and two sisters. All the family were born in Lincolnshire. William was an engine driver at a brickworks.

Rushden Butcher's Fate - Private Herbert Baker Wounded or Killed?

Official news has been received by Mrs Baker, of 50 Washbrook road, Rushden, that her son, Pte Herbert Baker, Northants Regt., has been wounded in action. A letter from a comrade states that he was wounded either in the side or the thigh and that he saw him carried away.

A rumour has also been afloat that some soldier from the district has written home to say that Pte Baker has died and has been buried behind the lines, but Mrs Baker has up to the time of writing been unable to trace any such communication. As she has received no further news of her son, she is naturally becoming anxious and any reader who may known something more is asked to communicate with us.

Pte Baker enlisted in May, 1916, and went out to France, last September. He was formerly employed as butcher in the Co-operative Stores in Wellingborough road, Rushden.

The Rushden Echo Friday 22 March 1918, transcribed by Nicky Bates

In Memoriam

BAKER - In loving memory of Pte Herbert Baker, 6th Northants Regt., of Rushden, who was killed in action in France on March 20th, 1917. From mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers.